Mineralogy and Geology; gardening

A geologist from the University of Florida talked for thirty minutes today to "K" and "P" of the different types of rocks and minerals and how they form. "P" was able to identify the difference between internal and external in relation to a diagram of a volcano. They were able to hold and feel rocks and minerals of various types, look at them with a magnifying glass, and then drew their own volcanoes and rock formations.

After this activity they helped to pick ripe vegetables in a community garden, and to tell the difference between zucchini that were ready to harvest and which should be left to ripen more.

Ancient and Modern Athens

P and I talked about Ancient Greece and the acropolis. Reviewed photos of the building and models of what it used to look like. Watched a NOVA special on the Acropolis and attempts to renovate it and what they learned about its construction.

International Space Station

P and K and dad talked about the ISS and the different kinds of experiments they do on the station. Reviewed the NASA tracking website to monitor how fast it travels around the world.

Whaling

"P" and I discussed the history of whaling. We talked about the uses for blubber, Moby Dick and current whaling practices, including the stand-off between Japanese whaling vessels and environmentalists.

Countries and Capitals

Reviewed countries and capitals. Parker can now readily identify the capitals of the following countries from a list (and a majority from memorization):

• Egypt
• Russia
• Mexico
• United States
• Great Britain
• France
• Greece
• China

Carousel Horses

Went to library and learned about the miniature (under 27" tall) therapy horses. Heard about a ton of books about horses, but P wasn't interested in checking any out. Instead, we checked out Star Wars and other books.

Cosmos

Watched the first two episodes of Cosmos with Carl Sagan, which talked about the size of the universe and the Rosetta Stone. Later watched an animation showing the relative sizes of astronomical bodies, from the earth all the way to VY Canis Majoris, the largest known star.

Civil Action for Love

There was a peaceful gathering on Wednesday, starting at 6:45 pm, expressing love for ALL of our neighbors in front of the "Dove World Outreach Center". It was a good gathering -- between 70 and 100 people on the street in front of the church. Noone seemed to show for their 7 PM service, though it is summer, and things often change then. A nice gathering of many faiths all talking love. :)

http://www.wcjb.com/news/4288/hateful-sign-causes-neighborhood-uproar